Tyler Kinley is Returning to Atlanta
The Atlanta Braves have agreed to terms with relief pitcher Tyler Kinley on Saturday. The two sides have agreed to a one-year, 4.25 million contract for the upcoming 2026 season. That deal includes a $5.5 million club option that carries a $1.25 million buyout. Kinley returns to Atlanta after posting excellent numbers during his time with the organization. He registered a 0.72 ERA, 0.68 WHIP, and 22/6 K/BB ratio in 24 appearances with the Braves. Overall, Kinley posted a 3.96 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 73/33 K/BB between 73 games with the Colorado Rockies and Braves. He figures to serve as a middle relief option with Robert Suarez and Raisel Iglesias being the late-inning relievers.
Source: Mark Feinsand
Source: Mark Feinsand
Jusuf Nurkic Won't Play Against Charlotte
Utah Jazz center Jusuf Nurkic (toe) won't play on Saturday versus Charlotte, marking his second-straight absence. He's been battling a toe injury, so fantasy managers may see him miss more time moving ahead until things clear up. With Lauri Markkanen (rest) and Ace Bailey (hip) ruled out, Keyonte George and Brice Sensabaugh could surge from a scoring standpoint. Kevin Love, who is coming off a double-double in Thursday's win over the Dallas Mavericks, can be considered for streaming purposes in deeper fantasy formats.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Brandon Saad Won't Play This Weekend
Vegas Golden Knights left wing Brandon Saad (undisclosed) will miss this weekend's back-to-back set against the St. Louis Blues and San Jose Sharks, per SinBin.vegas. The veteran forward is considered day-to-day with an undisclosed injury. Saad has not had a great campaign with Vegas, posting only seven points (two goals, five assists) in 39 games. In Saad's absence, Cole Reinhardt is projected to enter the lineup on Saturday night. Reinhardt will be limited to a fourth-line role and won't offer fantasy value.
Source: SinBin.vegas
Source: SinBin.vegas
Ryan Kalkbrenner Available on Saturday Night
Charlotte Hornets center Ryan Kalkbrenner (elbow) will play on Saturday against Utah after missing the last 10 games because of a sprained left elbow. The rookie, who has averaged 8.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks this season, will presumably return to the starting lineup. However, he'll likely be limited in his first game back. With that said, Kalkbrenner still has a favorable outlook versus one of the worst defensive teams in the league. Moussa Diabate is expected to head back to the bench, significantly lowering his fantasy ceiling.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Shea Theodore Returns to Golden Knights Lineup Saturday
Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore (upper body) was activated from Injured Reserve and is on track to play on Saturday night against the St. Louis Blues, Danny Webster of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports. The talented rearguard has missed nearly a month of action due to an upper-body injury, sitting out 11 games. Theodore will be part of the second defensive pairing and the second power-play unit. This season, Theodore has managed 20 points (four goals, 16 assists) in 31 games, adding 48 blocks to his tally. With him now available, Dylan Coghlan was reassigned to the minors.
Source: Danny Webster
Source: Danny Webster
Jaccob Slavin Returns Against Kraken
Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin (upper body) was activated from Injured Reserve and will end a 10-game absence on Saturday night against the Seattle Kraken. Overall, Slavin has appeared in only five games this season due to health issues. Slavin was paired with Jalen Chatfield during the morning skate, and he will also have a role on the penalty kill. Joel Nystrom will make room for Slavin in the lineup and has been reassigned to the AHL. While Slavin strengthens the Hurricanes' blue line with his experience and steady play, he offers little in terms of fantasy production.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Travis Konecny Ruled Out Saturday
Philadelphia Flyers winger Travis Konecny (upper body) will miss his first game of the season on Saturday against the Tampa Bay Lightning. He will sit out at least one game due to an upper-body injury sustained in Thursday's loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Meanwhile, Bobby Brink (upper body) will be absent for a second straight game, giving Matvei Michkov a spot on the first line. This enhances Michkov's fantasy value, though Saturday's matchup is a tough one against the third-best defensive team in the NHL.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Brad Marchand Misses Saturday's Game
Florida Panthers winger Brad Marchand (undisclosed) will remain sidelined on Saturday against the Ottawa Senators. The veteran forward was on the ice Saturday morning but will sit out his second consecutive game. With Marchand out of the lineup, the Panthers are without their top scorer. Marchand has registered 46 points (23 goals, 23 assists) in 41 games. Sandis Vilmanis will make his NHL debut on Saturday, while A.J. Greer will continue in a second-line role. Marchand's next opportunity to return will be on Monday when the Panthers face the Buffalo Sabres.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Corey Perry Available Saturday
Los Angeles Kings right wing Corey Perry (personal) will likely play on Saturday against the Edmonton Oilers, Sportsnet's Jack Michaels reports. The veteran was activated from the non-roster list after he missed two games for personal reasons. In a corresponding move, Anze Kopitar (lower body) was placed on Injured Reserve. With Kopitar out and a couple of other forwards also missing, Perry could play a more prominent role on Saturday night against his former team. The veteran forward has notched 21 points (nine goals, 12 assists) in 35 games this season.
Source: Jack Michaels
Source: Jack Michaels
William Nylander Returns From Six-Game Absence
Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (lower body) was activated from Injured Reserve and will return from a six-game absence on Saturday against the Vancouver Canucks. Nylander is available after missing a couple of weeks due to a lower-body injury. Despite missing time, Nylander remains Toronto's top scorer. He has amassed 41 points (14 goals, 27 assists) in 33 games. The Swedish star makes his return in a good matchup, as only the Anaheim Ducks have allowed more goals than the Canucks this season. He'll be on the second line with Matias Maccelli and John Tavares and will also join the first power-play unit.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Kyler Gordon Activated from Injured Reserve
Chicago Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon (groin) was activated from Injured Reserve ahead of Saturday night's Wild-Card game against the Green Bay Packers, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. Gordon practiced in full on Thursday after being limited the first two days of practice this week. The 26-year-old cornerback has appeared in just three games this season due to calf, hamstring, and groin injuries, last playing in Week 13 before being placed on IR for a second time. In the three game Gordon has played, the Bears have allowed just 18 points per game, compared to their season average of 24.4. Gordon will make his return on Saturday night and provide a major boost to the Chicago secondary.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Jordan Love a High-Upside Play in Fantasy Playoff Leagues
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love managed to stay off the injury report a week after clearing the league's concussion protocol, and he heads into Saturday night's Wild Card matchup against the Bears with no limitations. In his only full game against Chicago this season, Love threw for 234 yards and three touchdowns, finishing as the QB10 on the week. The Bears have been one of the most favorable defenses for opposing quarterbacks this season, and with Green Bay's injury-stricken defense struggling to keep points off the board down the stretch, this should be a matchup to target in fantasy playoff leagues. Love is RotoBaller's QB9 for Wild Card Weekend, but he could easily outperform that projection in a game that might see fireworks.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Caleb Williams Should Benefit From Full Complement of Wide Receivers
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams will get his first taste of postseason action in Saturday night's Wild Card matchup with the Packers, and it appears he will do so with his full complement of wide receivers. After missing the past five games with a foot injury, second-year wideout Rome Odunze (foot) carried no injury designation after managing a full practice on Thursday. Luther Burden III, who missed Week 16 with an ankle injury and popped up on the Week 18 injury report with a quad issue, enters the playoffs having stayed off the injury report for the first time in weeks. With his offense as healthy as it's been in weeks, and facing a Green Bay defense that can not make the same claim, Williams is RotoBaller's QB6 for the first week of fantasy playoff leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
DJ Moore a Boom-or-Bust Play in Fantasy Playoff Leagues
Chicago wide receiver DJ Moore, along with most of the Bears' pass-catchers, has had an up-and-down fantasy season, finishing as a top-10 receiver four separate times in half-PPR formats, while landing outside the top 50 in six different weeks. With Rome Odunze (foot) carrying no injury designation into Saturday night's Wild Card matchup with the Packers and Luther Burden III (quad) completely clear of the injury report, Chicago's receiving core enters the playoffs as healthy as it has been in weeks. With so many mouths to feed, someone may be left hungry, and too many times this season that distinction has fallen to Moore. He is RotoBaller's WR15 for the week on the strength of his big-play upside, but he is a risky play in the opening round of fantasy playoff leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
D’Andre Swift Opens Playoffs Against a Banged-Up Packers Front
Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift finished the regular season just south of 1,400 yards from scrimmage, while scoring double-digit touchdowns for the first time in his career, and in Saturday night's Wild Card opener, he faces an injury-stricken Packers defensive front. Without their most impactful front-seven defender, Micah Parsons (knee), Green Bay allowed an average of 198 yards on the ground across their final three games. While Swift was unable to find the end zone or crack 65 rushing yards in either of his late-season matchups with the Packers, his usage has still been encouraging despite the growing impact of rookie Kyle Monangai. Swift should continue to provide a safe fantasy floor for as long as Chicago is still competing, and he is RotoBaller's RB6 for Wild Card Weekend.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Josh Jacobs Could Return to Early-Season Form in Playoffs
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs is off the injury report for the first time since Week 11, after a late-season knee injury limited his impact down the stretch. After being rested for the team's Week 18 season finale, Jacobs recently told reporters that he's feeling better than he has in six weeks, and if he can regain the burst that he came out of the gates with, he figures to be an impactful player in fantasy playoff leagues. Through the first ten weeks of 2025, Jacobs was on a full-season pace of nearly 1,600 yards from scrimmage and over 20 touchdowns. Green Bay opens the playoffs on the road against a Bears team with whom they split the season series, and Jacobs is RotoBaller's RB7 for the first week of playoff fantasy leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Christian Watson in Line for a Strong Playoff Opener
Before being rested for the season finale, Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson had emerged as the team's most dangerous downfield threat, averaging 65.6 yards and almost a touchdown per game across his last five outings. Against a Chicago defense that has allowed more than five fantasy points above expectation to the position, he is in line for a solid performance in Saturday night's Wild Card matchup. The Bears allowed 300+ passing yards in each of their final two regular-season games, and with quarterback Jordan Love now clear of the league's concussion protocol, Green Bay's offense could find more success than it did in a Week 16 loss to Chicago that saw Malik Willis handling primary duties under center. Watson is RotoBaller's WR12 for the opening round of the playoffs.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ceddanne Rafaela Unlikely to Play Second Base
Boston Red Sox outfielder/infielder Ceddanne Rafaela might not shift positions as frequently in 2026. Recently, Red Sox manager Alex Cora said it was unlikely that Rafaela would play second base this season. Due to their logjam in the outfield, Rafaela played 24 games at second base in 2025. His defensive abilities are a much better fit in center field, as Rafaela committed three errors in a little over 20 games at the keystone. The Red Sox would rather have Rafaela in center field, a position where he won a Gold Glove this past season. If he remains in the outfield, Rafaela would likely lose his second-base eligibility, which would be a bummer for fantasy managers. The elite defensive ability in the outfield should keep Rafaela in center field on an everyday basis.
Source: Gabrielle Starr
Source: Gabrielle Starr
Lane Johnson Could Return for Wild-Card Weekend
Philadelphia Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson (foot), who has been out since Week 11 with a foot injury, is listed as questionable for Sunday's Wild Card matchup with the 49ers, but there is a growing sense that he could suit up and play this week. Johnson has been a limited practice participant leading up to the game, which is a positive step after several weeks of DNPs. The Eagles' offense has been one of the more frustrating units to watch this season, particularly for fantasy purposes, but Johnson's steadying presence could help to put things back on track for Saquon Barkley and the rest of the defending champions. After an up-and-down season, Barkley is RotoBaller's RB5 for the opening week of fantasy playoff leagues.
Source: Jeremy Fowler
Source: Jeremy Fowler
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is Ahead of Schedule
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (knee) is well ahead of schedule in his rehab work, according to the team's general manager Mike Hazen. Gurriel underwent surgery to repair a torn ACL in his right knee during September of last year. Even with a great recovery, Gurriel is likely going to be sidelined until at least mid-season. When healthy, Gurriel is a viable middle-of-the-order bat that could give this lineup a boost once he's back. He slashed .248/./295/.418 with 19 home runs, 80 RBI, and 10 steals in 129 games in 2025. He's not an ideal stash option given he'll probably miss half of the season, but fantasy managers should monitor his status closer to spring training.
Source: Alex Weiner
Source: Alex Weiner
Keon Coleman Expected to Play Against Jaguars
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman, who has been a healthy scratch for several games this season, is expected to play in the team's Wild Card matchup with the Jaguars and could see an expanded role, according to Cameron Wolfe. Joshua Palmer has been downgraded to Out ahead of Sunday's contest, leaving Coleman and Khalil Shakir firmly atop the wide receiver depth chart. With the two of them combining for just over 1,000 yards and four touchdowns on the year, one or both will need to take a monumental leap forward if Buffalo hopes to notch its first road playoff victory since 1992. Josh Allen is 0-4 in road playoff games and will be looking for contributions from his receiver room wherever he can find them.
Source: Cameron Wolfe
Source: Cameron Wolfe
Kutter Crawford Throws Off the Mound
Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Kutter Crawford (wrist) has progressed to throwing off the mound. Crawford is reportedly a bit behind schedule, but is expected to be ready for the start of the regular season. He missed all of the 2025 campaign due to a wrist issue that required surgery. Crawford has been a viable back-end option for the Red Sox, but it's unclear if he'll remain in the starting rotation. The expectation is that youngsters Connelly Early and Payton Tolle will make a push for a rotational spot. Also, Patrick Sandoval and recently acquired Johan Oviedo should get a chance to earn a spot in camp. Crawford could end up in a swingman-type role, which could be beneficial to the Red Sox, but won't offer much long-term fantasy value.
Source: Gabrielle Starr
Source: Gabrielle Starr
Isaiah Stewart Might Miss Saturday's Game
Detroit Pistons forward/center Isaiah Stewart (illness) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Clippers. With Cade Cunningham (wrist) sidelined for Wednesday's win over the Chicago Bulls, the 24-year-old took on a more prominent role offensively by finishing with a game-high 31 points. Unfortunately, he's dealing with an illness, which is not an ideal scenario, considering the Pistons are already down Jalen Duren (ankle) and Tobias Harris (hip). As a result, others might have to step up, with Paul Reed, Jaden Ivey, Ron Holland II, and Ausar Thompson in line for more statistical contributions if Cunningham and Stewart remain out.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Trent Williams Trending Toward a Playoff Return
San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams (hamstring) was a limited practice participant on Thursday and Friday, but the belief is that he is trending in the right direction and has a chance to suit up for Sunday's Wild Card matchup with the Eagles. The future Hall of Famer has been held out of the last two games after injuring his hamstring in a Week 16 win over the Colts. Even with their best offensive lineman sidelined in Week 17, the 49ers managed to put up 200 yards on the ground in a win over the Bears before coming back down to earth to the tune of 53 rushing yards in a Week 18 loss to the Seahawks. Without question, San Francisco's rushing attack is at its best when both Williams and tight end George Kittle are active, which looks to be the case for Sunday, helping to make Christian McCaffrey RotoBaller's RB1 for the first week of playoff fantasy leagues.
Source: Jeremy Fowler
Source: Jeremy Fowler
Jake McCarthy Gets Traded to Rockies
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Jake McCarthy was traded to the Colorado Rockies on Saturday. In exchange, the D-Backs will receive right-handed pitcher Josh Grosz from Colorado. On paper, this seems like an ideal landing spot for the speedy outfielder. He figures to get a chance to play regularly and should be a strong fit in the outfield at Coors Field. McCarthy is looking to rebound after posting disappointing numbers with the D-Backs last season. In 2024, McCarthy slashed .285/.349/.400 with eight home runs, 56 RBI, and 25 steals in 142 games. He offers interesting late-round appeal with his above-average speed, and his power could see an uptick in Colorado. As for Grosz, he was traded to Colorado in the deal that sent Ryan McMahon to the New York Yankees. He only pitched in seven games for the Rockies' Single-A team last season. The walk numbers are concerning, but 135 strikeouts in 23 games (22 starts) is promising. He won't see the big leagues for a few years, but he offers decent upside.
Source: Colorado Rockies
Source: Colorado Rockies
Cade Cunningham Questionable Versus Clippers
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (wrist) could miss Saturday's meeting with the Clippers. He has a contusion on his right wrist, keeping him off the floor for Wednesday's win over the Chicago Bulls. Jaden Ivey ended up replacing him in the rotation, although he had only eight points. While Daniss Jenkins struggled even more offensively, he still did something for fantasy managers by amassing 15 assists. If Cunningham isn't back for this one, Ivey and Jenkins can both be considered risky, high-upside fantasy options.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Joshua Palmer Ruled Out for Sunday
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Joshua Palmer (ankle) has been downgraded to out ahead of Sunday's Wild-Card matchup with the Jaguars. Palmer had been unable to practice this week with an ankle injury and will now miss the team's playoff opener. Palmer's 303 receiving yards across 12 regular-season games were good enough for the third-highest total amongst Buffalo wide receivers. In his absence, second-year wideout Keon Coleman will be in line for a larger role following a disappointing sophomore season that saw him benched on multiple occasions. Jacksonville has ranked as a middle-of-the-pack unit in terms of defending the pass, but with no obvious superstars in the Bills' wide receiver room, Josh Allen will again be tasked with putting the offense on his back if Buffalo is to win their first road playoff game since 1992.
Source: Buffalo Bills PR
Source: Buffalo Bills PR
Andrew Nembhard in Danger of Missing Another Game
Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (back) is questionable heading into Saturday's game against Miami. He didn't suit up on Thursday night versus the Hornets, resulting in Quenton Jackson entering the starting lineup. However, it was T.J. McConnell who benefited the most without Nembhard on the floor, with the 33-year-old ending the evening with 23 points, eight assists, and four steals. If Nembhard remains out, Jackson can be considered for streaming purposes for those willing to take a chance. On the other hand, McConnell would be classified as a must-start fantasy option.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Kawhi Leonard Questionable for Saturday Night
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (ankle) is questionable for Saturday's meeting with the Pistons. The multi-time All-Star was on the injury report ahead of Friday's win over the Brooklyn Nets, although he was able to play, finishing the night with 26 points, five rebounds, five assists, three steals, and one block. However, with Saturday's contest being the second of a back-to-back, fantasy managers may not see him out there. If Leonard doesn't suit up, Kobe Sanders should be considered the favorite to replace him in the rotation. The 2025 No. 50 overall selection started a few games ago in the one-point win over the Warriors. He played well, too, amassing 20 points in 35 minutes of action. If Sanders gets another crack with the first-five, he'll be worth considering for those participating in deep league fantasy setups.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Luther Burden III Remains a High-Upside WR Option This Weekend
Across 15 games in 2025, Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III recorded 47 receptions for 652 yards and two touchdowns on 60 targets. The 22-year-old played his best football of the year down the stretch, recording 21 catches for 324 yards and a touchdown on 26 targets over his final four contests. However, all four of those performances came with fellow Bears wideout Rome Odunze sidelined by a foot injury. Odunze will return for the team's Wild Card Weekend matchup against the Green Bay Packers, which could lead to fewer opportunities for Burden III. The Packers were also one of the NFL's better pass defenses in the regular season, ranking sixth in the league in yards per pass attempt allowed (6.4). However, Burden III's explosive upside is difficult to overlook. Entering the postseason, Burden III profiles as the most attractive wide receiver option on the Bears roster for fantasy managers in playoff leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
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